We use only proven products from the most reputable manufacturers. We do not select parts simply because they are "on sale" or cost the least. Our experience indicates that low priced components create low quality, unreliable systems. We select components for your sprinkler system based on your specific needs, your landscape, and your future plans.

Questions about reliability normally center on the equipment that will be used; however, equipment is only one facet of a system's reliabiltiy and longevity. Some other factors affecting reliability are:

Layout of Heads

Correct head spacing is critical to the operation of an irrigation system. Each manufacturer of irrigation equipment provides head spacing data so that irrigators can determine the correct layout and equipment to be used. Proper spacing of heads provides uniform distribution of water and effective precipitation rates based on specific needs of the landscape.

Improper spacing (spacing between heads) can cause:

• Dry spots.
• Non-uniform watering.
• Waste of water.

Water Pressure and Velocity - Housing Growth

As our area continues to grow, there will be more demand for water service. Typically our utilities are built during or after growth begins; therefore at some point, you may experience high water pressure, then low water pressure, and then you may experience high water pressure again.

Low Pressure

If a sprinkler system is installed when the water pressure is at the low stage, great care must be taken to ensure that there is adequate pressure and flow (gallons able to be delivered) to operate the sprinkler system at an efficient level. Improper planning for low water pressure will cause areas in your yard to be inconsistently watered (even if high quality equipment and proper spacing is used). At that point, you will need to over water certain areas to get the "dry spots" watered. This will cause you to waste large amounts of water and money.

High Pressure

If a sprinkler system is installed when the water pressure is at the high stage, special methods must be used to limit the pressure so that the sprinkler system operates efficiently. Sprinklers operate at pressures ranging from 30 PSI to 60 PSI at the head.

If the water pressure exceeds the limit for the head, "misting" will occur. Misting is also referred to as fogging. Misting heads can cause 20 to 40% of your water to simply drift away from the landscaped area. Improper pressure regulation can increase the long-term cost of your sprinkler system dramatically because you will need to water longer to get the proper amount of water into your landscape.

Water Velocity

Sprinkler system components and piping are rated for a specific water velocity. Normally, 5 feet per second is the maximum allowed velocity . (The velocity is the speed of the water going through the system.) Water velocity is a function of water pressure, size of piping, and friction loss through the sprinkler system. If a sprinkler system is installed with water velocity exceeding 5 feet per second, the piping and components in the system will deteriorate substantially faster than normal. This will cause excessive maintenance costs and will shorten the life of the system.

Abuses of the velocity rule are normally seen in systems that have high water pressure, smaller piping and a fewer valves than needed.

In any installation, the current water pressure, flow rate, water velocity and potential housing or utility growth must be properly addressed to ensure that your system will continue to function properly in the future.